hungry

adjective

hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
hungrier; hungriest
1
a
: feeling an uneasy or painful sensation from lack of food : feeling hunger
b
: characterized by or characteristic of hunger or appetite
a wolf with hungry eyes
2
a
: eager, avid
hungry for affection
b
: strongly motivated (as by ambition)
hungry investors
a power-hungry politician
3
: not rich or fertile : barren
a hungry soil
hungrily adverb
hungriness noun

Examples of hungry in a Sentence

There are millions of hungry people throughout the world. That girl is always hungry. The prisoners' families were hungry for more information. They were hungry to learn more.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the scene also looms large for young Ruth: Maria’s earrings represent the mysterious world of adults, one that Ruth is hungry to learn more about. Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025 Milwaukee Brewers fans are hungry for a 12th consecutive victory -- and a free George Webb’s burger. Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025 The young bankers were hungry, though, and realized their area of specialty would never be a focus for a big institution like RBC. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 21 July 2025 Simone has no interest in going back to Buffalo to care for her father after her traumatic childhood that often left her neglected, hungry, and dirty. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hungry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hungrig; akin to Old English hungor

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of hungry was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hungry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hungry. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hungry

adjective
hun·​gry ˈhəŋ-grē How to pronounce hungry (audio)
hungrier; hungriest
1
: feeling or showing hunger
2
: eager, avid
hungry for all the details
hungrily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on hungry

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